Red flags & when to go in person for Dizziness (Vertigo) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Dizziness or vertigo in children can be caused by many different issues, ranging from mild to serious. Telemedicine can help evaluate symptoms and provide advice, but some signs require urgent in-person care. Parents should watch for warning signs like sudden severe dizziness, weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of consciousness. Telehealth visits can guide initial care and help decide if a child needs to be seen in person. Knowing when to seek emergency care is important to keep your child safe.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe dizziness or vertigo lasting more than a few minutes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping — go to the emergency room right away.
• Loss of consciousness or seizures accompanying dizziness — call emergency services immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild dizziness or vertigo symptoms in children.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations with severe neurological symptoms.
• Physical examinations requiring specialized equipment or tests.
• Management of severe dehydration or loss of consciousness.

Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo in Children

Dizziness means feeling lightheaded or unsteady, while vertigo is a sensation that the room is spinning. Children may describe these feelings differently, such as saying they feel "funny" or "off balance." Causes can include infections, dehydration, ear problems, or less commonly, neurological issues. Identifying the cause often needs a careful history and examination.

When to Use Telemedicine for Your Child's Dizziness

Telemedicine can be helpful if your child has mild dizziness without other concerning symptoms. A healthcare provider can ask questions, observe your child, and suggest home care or tests. This is often a good first step if you are unsure about the severity or cause of symptoms.

Red Flags That Require Immediate In-Person Care

Some symptoms mean your child needs urgent evaluation in person or emergency care. These include:

If you notice any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse. Have a list of any medications your child takes and note any recent illnesses or injuries. Find a quiet, well-lit area where your child can be seen clearly by the provider.

What to Expect After a Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider may recommend home care, such as hydration and rest, or suggest follow-up tests or visits. If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care promptly. Keep a symptom diary to share during follow-up appointments.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start time and duration of dizziness or vertigo symptoms.
• List any other symptoms such as headache, vomiting, weakness, or speech changes.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Have your child's medication list and recent medical history ready.
• Be ready to describe any recent illnesses, injuries, or exposures.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Watch closely for any red flag symptoms and seek emergency care if they occur.
• Keep a symptom diary to track changes or new symptoms.
• Ensure your child stays hydrated and rests as advised.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's dizziness?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it may not provide a definitive diagnosis. Some causes require physical exams or tests that need to be done in person.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for dizziness?

If your child has sudden severe dizziness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, seizures, or severe headache along with dizziness, go to the emergency room immediately.

Can dehydration cause dizziness in children?

Yes, dehydration is a common cause of dizziness in children. Ensuring your child drinks enough fluids can help, but if dizziness is severe or persistent, seek medical advice.

Is vertigo common in children?

Vertigo is less common in children than adults but can occur due to ear infections, inner ear problems, or other causes. Proper evaluation is important to find the cause.

What can I do at home to help my child with mild dizziness?

Make sure your child rests, stays hydrated, and avoids sudden movements. Monitor symptoms closely and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

Sources

1. Dizziness in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Vertigo and Dizziness in Children: A Review — National Library of Medicine.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Dizziness and Vertigo in Children: Clinical Features and Diagnosis — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.